Photo of Solomon Etting (1764-1847)

Maryland Religious Liberty

Solomon Etting was a major force behind Maryland's "Jew Bill," which was first introduced on December 13, 1797, and finally confirmed on January 5, 1826. This bill guaranteed the right to vote and hold public office in Maryland for Jews, although only those Jews professing a belief in a future state of rewards and punishments, and only for Jews, not other non-Christians. Before the bill's passage, Etting's brother Reuben was appointed a U.S. Marshal of Maryland by President Jefferson, but although he served in a prominent national office, in the state of Maryland, he could not have held any public office at the time. Solomon Etting was also the first shochet (ritual slaughterer) licensed in America and a prominent merchant. When Kentucky Senator Henry Clay used the phrase "the Jew" in a derogatory manner in the Senate, Etting wrote to him and demanded and explanation. Clay apologized profusely, insisting that he was describing one man rather than a nation, and trying to ensure no further insult to Etting.